Question 1

What kind of saddles do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with any brand of "English" style saddles, including: All Purpose, Dressage, and Jump/Close Contact. For those saddles that have flocked(wool or synthetic stuffing) panels, I am able to adjust or reflock entirely.  For saddles with foam panels, I can check for fit and determine if there are any viable padding options. I am also available to assess fit and padding options for Western saddles.

Question 2

What is included in the Assessment fee?

Accepted Answer

We will talk about his health history and I will document everything that may relate to saddle fit and performance.
 Templates, or tracings, of your horses  back will be taken, as well as photos of his conformation to have on file. These will be used when reflocking a saddle, and also kept on file to determine if his back has changed between visits.
I will then evaluate the existing saddle (or we can discuss a potential new one). I will assess for fit on the cross-ties and watch the horse move without the saddle (lunging or free lunging)  observing his range of motion and striding. Next, I watch the horse move with a saddle but no rider, and finally, I watch you ride in the saddle.  All findings and observations are documented in your horses file. The entire process takes between 1 and 2 hours.

Question 3

What if I have multiple saddles for you to look at?

Accepted Answer

The entire process is repeated and I document every saddle that we work with for your horses file.

Question 4

What are the rates if I'm looking to purchase a new saddle?

Accepted Answer

Saddle fitting assessments are $150 plus tax.

Saddle purchase prices vary according to whether you are buying a standard stock saddle - or whether you are placing an order for a custom saddle. These details are provided during the saddle fit appointment.

Question 5

When should I call you to have my saddle checked?

Accepted Answer

It's a good idea to have your saddle checked if your horse's behavior or performance suddenly changes, if he develops a mystery lameness, or if you feel the underneath of the saddle is uneven, hard and/or lumpy.
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A new saddle should be checked after 30 hours of riding. Saddles with flocked panels should be checked every 3-6 months to yearly to make sure they haven't packed down too much. This may be needed more frequently if your horse has a tendency to change seasonally.

Question 6

Do you offer onsite reflocking?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. I offer "on site" flocking up for any saddle (this is a top off which means adjusting the current flocking and adding flocking as needed). For any saddle that requires a complete reflock (also known as a strip flock),this must be taken apart on my bench to be reflocked properly.

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